More than 35,000 low income Minnesota residents are a step closer to becoming eligible for a subsidized health insurance program.
 
The Minnesota House on Monday approved an expansion of the Medical Assistance program, a move made more enticing by a federal promise to cover the full cost of the new enrollees for a few years. 

DFL Representative Thomas Huntley of Duluth called the bill good for low income people.  But Republican Steve Drazkowski raised worries about the federal money coming through.

The proposed change to the state's version of Medicaid now heads to the Democratic-led Senate, which could act this week. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton supports it.